The beloved Mercer Oak, which had seen and survived the Battle of Princeton and the birth and vibrant life of a new nation, state and municipality, was torn by high winds on Friday March 3, 2000. It was a sad sight to see the once giant oak finally succumb to nature's elements. Many came to mourn the tree, which had stood bravely alone on the battlefield for about 300 years.

Photo Courtesy of Marie Matthews

This renowned oak is the emblem of Princeton Township.

The Mercer Oak was named for General Hugh Mercer. During the Revolutionary War, General George Washington and his troops moved quietly from Trenton to the outskirts of the Stony Brook Settlement near the Quaker Meetinghouse. On January 3, 1777 they fought the British rear guard on the battlefield. The Battle of Princeton became a turning point in our fight for independence. Brigadier General Mercer's 350 men encountered two British regiments and a mounted unit. A fight began in the orchard of Quaker farmer Thomas Clarke. Lore has it that Mercer was impaled by an English soldier's bayonet, and not wanting to leave his men and the battle, was given a place to rest on the white oak tree's trunk while the fighting continued. When the battle ended, General Mercer was taken to the Clarke House where he died nine days later from his wounds.

General Mercer gave his name to the oak, to our county and to numerous streets and parks throughout the state of New Jersey. The Mercer Oak came to be more than a symbol of the Revolutionary War. In addition to becoming Princeton Township's logo, it is found in the seals of Mercer County, Mercer Engine No. 3 and the New Jersey State Park Service. It played a role in the final scenes of the movie "IQ", which focused on the life of Princeton resident Albert Einstein.

I went to the battlefield on the morning after the tree was damaged and was given a branch of the tree by John Mills (the curator of the park and its Clarke House museum). People felt compelled to visit the site. Some knelt and prayed, others with tears in their eyes recalled fond memories of the special old tree. Others came to pick up twigs, take pictures, or just to stand and quietly watch. Children in particular were touched by the loss since every third grader studies New Jersey history and learns about the significance of the Mercer Oak. Young and old remembered playing, flying kites or being read to with the Mercer Oak always a prominent part of the activity.

This new millennium will bring the opening of our long awaited municipal building. I am sure that we will have a fitting memorial to the Mercer Oak at our new facility. Arbor Day may be an appropriate time to memorialize this revered, majestic wonder of nature.

The Mercer Oak is gone but not forgotten, for as the symbol of our Township, it will stand as a reminder of our deep-rooted past and of our blossoming future.